MDC worked with the National Fund for Workforce Solutions (NFWS) to help rural regions create better systems of employment and training.

The NFWS approach sought to create innovative workforce partnerships by encouraging local philanthropy and other funding agencies to issue grants for demonstration projects and capacity building.

MDC managed a rural affinity group that consisted of four NFWS-funded rural sites and other communities that were interested in the method. Collaboratives included organizations in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the Mississippi Delta, Central Wisconsin, and the Dan River Region of Virginia.